Biological Sciences (Hons) Heriot-Watt University

Overview

Biological Sciences (Hons) from Heriot-Watt University explores the fundamentals of modern environmental, plant, animal, and cell biology. You’ll experience a multidisciplinary teaching and learning approach, integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, and mathematics to help you develop a holistic understanding of living systems.  

You’ll learn the principles in all the main areas of biological sciences, including:  

• Ecology  
• Zoology  
• Plant Science  
• Microbiology  
• Biochemistry  
• Molecular biology  

Biology has a significant impact on our daily lives. By studying biological sciences, you will gain an understanding of the complexities of biology, be able to apply your knowledge to other related disciplines, and address challenges such as:  

• Climate change  
• Biodiversity loss  
• Emerging diseases  
• Food science development 
• Sustainable resource management  

You’ll develop your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. You’ll learn about scientific concepts, evaluate research findings, and present innovative solutions to complex biological problems using a range of media. You’ll work independently and collaboratively, and engage in group projects, scientific discussions, and research initiatives.  

Hands-on laboratory work and practical field research is prominent throughout the degree, and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art labs where you can put theoretical knowledge into practice. This will help you gain valuable skills in interpreting and analysing scientific data. Fieldwork also provides an opportunity for you to engage with real-world ecosystems.  

As well as building your skills in biological sciences, you’ll develop sought after soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and practical presentation skills. You’ll also understand the vital role of a biologist across a range of professional fields including research and development, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and public health.  

This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities required to undertake a wide range of careers within the scientific or other employment sectors. 

Your learning environment  

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences is taught though a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, and field work, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your teaching staff, academics, and peers. You will be assessed by coursework and examinations and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.  

During your studies, you’ll have access to our high-specification laboratories, the latest technologies and industry-standard equipment.  

Some examples of our facilities and equipment include:  

• Biology teaching lab, including an audio-visual system to see demonstrations on plasma screens around the room.  
• Plant growth rooms for the study of plant molecular biology and genetic engineering of cereal plants.  
• Our research laboratories have equipment to support a range of project activities linked to the cellular, molecular and microbiological sciences, including facilities for cell culture, genome editing, bioimaging and bioinformatics work.  
• We have access to state-of-the-art sequencing technologies in the form of nanopore sequencers, allowing whole genome sequencing of different organisms and species identification from environmental and other DNA samples. This enhances research into a range of microbial and plant microbiomes.  
• Our John Muir Aquarium is a flexible, multi-room space that allows for simulation of natural marine conditions. 
• The Research Vessel Serpula is a custom-built vessel equipped for scientific and diving work and is in Oban.   

Customise your learning 

You’ll take eight mandatory courses in year one where you will be introduced to principles and practical skills in biology, and principles of mathematics and chemistry. You’ll also take a course designed to inspire awareness of the contribution of your discipline to tackling global challenges and its connection to other disciplines. You’ll work in teams, learn to cope with complexity, gain core study skills, and thrive on ambiguity.  

In year two, you’ll take four mandatory courses which will enhance your research sills, and be introduced to metabolism in human nutrition, microbiology, and cell and molecular biology. You can customise your learning by choosing four courses from a range of biology and non-biological options including psychology.  

You can transfer between our biology degrees until the end of year two, allowing you time at university to make final decisions on your area of specialism and degree of choice. 

Year three offers you the most flexibility in course choices. You’ll choose four courses in semester one from a list of eight biology and non-biological courses such as fundamentals of marketing. Biology-specific course choices range from small molecule to whole animal and marine biology. In semester two, you’ll take the mandatory global research skills and choose three courses ranging from microbiology, human health, environmental biology, and sport and exercise science. A management course is also optional in semester two of year three. 

You’ll conduct your research project in year four and choose six optional courses from a list of over ten courses, allowing you to consolidate final-year learning to your specific biological sciences areas of interest. 

Industry  

We work closely with industry to ensure our course content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of industry and employers. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.